Homeware giant signs up for £10 million retail complex in Perth

A homeware specialist has struck a deal to move into a new £10 million retail complex on the edge of Perth city centre.

The former B&Q store at St Catherine’s Retail Park has been demolished to make away for the new development, which secured planning permission earlier this summer.

The demolition was undertaken by Savills Investment Management, which runs the site on behalf of owners Episo Boxes.

Savills has confirmed that leases have now been signed for the 45,000sq ft site with Homesense – part of the TK Maxx family – and Tapi Carpets and Floors.

Homesense launched in 2008 and has 50 branches across the country.

James Charlesworth, portfolio manager at Savills IM said the move would dramatically improve the appearance of the ageing park.

“Following three successful phases, this is the latest stage of refurbishment of St Catherine’s,” he said. “This latest initiative will further update and improve the tenant mix and reinforce its dominance in the city as a modern and vibrant destination retail park.”

Work on the new development is expected to get under way next month for completion early in 2018. The site revamp is expected to generate about 100 jobs.

The demolition of the former B&Q store ends a series of vandal attacks on the building, which had been standing empty for several years. Episo Boxes first revealed plans for the property nearly a decade ago, but the project stalled amid a general downturn in new developments related to the global economic crash.